Convert Base64 correctly and privately
Base64 represents binary bytes using printable ASCII characters. It is commonly used in Data URLs, email attachments, API payloads and compact transport formats, but it increases data size and provides no confidentiality.
Modern UTF-8 encoding preserves emoji, accented characters and non-Latin scripts correctly.
URL-safe Base64 replaces + and / with - and _, often omitting = padding.
Selected files are read by your browser. Their contents are not sent to ZeeSharp.
How to use the Base64 tool
- Choose Encode for plain text or file input, or Decode for a Base64 string.
- Select URL-safe, padding and line-wrapping options as required by your destination.
- Review validation and byte-size information below the editor.
- Copy the result or download encoded text or decoded binary data.
Data URLs
A Data URL begins with metadata such as data:image/png;base64, followed by Base64 content. Choose Data URL when embedding a small resource directly in HTML or CSS; choose raw Base64 for API fields that already define the media type separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Base64 encryption?
No. Anyone can decode it without a key. Use proper encryption and secure transport when confidentiality matters.
Why is Base64 larger than the original?
Base64 encodes every three bytes as four characters, creating roughly 33% overhead before line breaks or metadata.
Why does some Base64 end with equals signs?
The = characters pad the final group when the input byte count is not divisible by three. Some URL-safe formats omit this padding.
Can this tool decode binary files?
Yes. Valid raw Base64 or Data URLs can be converted into a downloadable binary file. Choose a sensible filename and verify the detected media type.